Police investigating iPhone 4G prototype leak

Police are investigating the loss of what appears to be an iPhone prototype, purchased and originally published last week by the tech site Gizmodo.

A law enforcement official told CNET today that the incident could have violated criminal laws.

In an unprecedented security leak for the Cupertino-based corporation, one of its engineers reportedly took the prototype to a local bar in Redwood City and left it there. Gizmodo claims the two unnamed individuals who found the device attempted to return it to Apple before selling it to the publication for an alleged sum of $5,000 (£3,250).

It’s unclear whether the police are focusing on Gizmodo, the people who found and sold the prototype, or both. Apple has spoken to the local police about the incident, who are now trying to determine whether criminal charges should be filed. The Santa Clara County district attorney’s office is believed to be taking charge of the investigation.

After publishing the photos and videos, Apple contacted Gizmodo and asked if they could have their product back. Gizmodo complied.

Famously secretive, Apple has been known to go after rumour sites that published information on its upcoming products. In a previous lawsuit filed against Apple rumour blog Think Secret, Apple alleged that the website’s owner, Nick Ciarelli, was violating trade law by encouraging and inducing people to provide product information in breach of agreements. After a three-year court battle, Apple and Think Secret reached a settlement, and Ciarelli agreed to cease publication of his blog.